Gordon Beckham says his strained left wrist is not 100 percent healed but he was able to start Friday night's game against the Royals.

"There is some soreness but no pain so it's go time" Beckham said.

After missing the last five games with the injury he went 0-for-3 with two sharply hit balls and a walk.

"It didn't get worse" he said. "I don't know if it became a ton better but it didn't get worse. Just getting ready for the game it feels OK."

Manager Robin Ventura was glad to get Beckham out of the dugout.

"He doesn't like sitting on the bench too much so he was a little restless the last few days" Ventura said. "Once he got to the point where (trainer Herm Schneider) cleared him we could put him in there."

On the lookout: Among the scouts at Friday night's game was former Bulls general manager Jerry Krause who now works for the Diamondbacks. Alex Rios whose agent was in Chicago on Thursday could be headed to the Rangers if a deal can be worked out. The Pirates are another possibility. Rios has veto rights to any trade to New York.